8 Foods to Cook on Your BBQ Grill This Fourth of July
July 4th is less than a week away, but there’s still time to plan a great gathering for your family and friends. We’re here to help you get a head start on the menu with eight foods you can easily whip up on the barbecue!
1. Burgers, Hot Dogs and Chicken — This one is a no-brainer! Nothing says Fourth of July quite like a traditional BBQ with hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken. You can save time by prepping these items beforehand (season the ground beef and mold into patties; make slices or spiral cuts in the hot dogs; let the chicken marinate so the finished product is moist and not dry; etc.) and throwing them on once your guests start to arrive.
2. Pizza — If you thought pizza was something reserved for take-out, think again! All you need for a delicious pie is dough (you can pick up this at your local pizzeria), sauce (make this the day before), cheese, toppings, a pizza stone and a grill that gets good and hot. Simply place the pizza stone on the grill, and once it reaches the right temperature, place the dough on it and cook until you’ve got a delicious pizza with a nice, crispy crust. Adding pizza to your BBQ menu will allow you to feed many mouths at an affordable price.
3. Grilled Veggies — Break away from the typical, protein-centered BBQ and incorporate some vegetables as a side. They’ll be a hit with everyone, not just the health-conscious! Use shish kebabs to give zucchini, sweet peppers, onion and tomatoes that great grilled flavor. You could also prepare grilled asparagus or grilled corn. Simply toss your veggies with salt, pepper and olive oil and place over high heat for a few minutes. So quick and easy!
4. Grilled Fruit — Wrap pineapple, plums, peaches or berries in tin foil and warm over the grill for a delicious after-dinner treat. Don’t forget to pair with vanilla ice cream!
5. S’mores — If you’re not going to make it down to a bonfire for the traditional roasting of marshmallows and assembling of S’mores, you can still enjoy the treat in your backyard! Use the heat from the BBQ to warm the marshmallows, then dole them out to the whole party! And if you’re heart is set on a campfire for next year, consider investing in a fire pit.
6. Fish — Looking for light fare, but still want to use the BBQ? We recommend including some fish! Whether you’re planning a surf-n-turf combination or eliminating meat all together, halibut, flounder and salmon are all great choices for the grill. The important thing here is to remember to brush the grill well and oil the grates ahead of time so that the fillet — which is typically much more delicate than a piece of meat — doesn’t stick. And definitely use a spatula for easy flipping!
7. Potatoes — Break out the aluminum foil and wrap up packets of sliced potato, sliced onion and spices (we like salt, pepper, garlic powder and butter). Place these on the grill and steam for a delicious side. You could also pre-boil potatoes, then slice them and throw on the BBQ for a few minutes to achieve those coveted grill lines!
8. Buns — This is a no-brainer, but don’t forget to throw the hamburger and hot dog buns on the grill for a few minutes so they’re nice and toasted!
No matter what you’re preparing for the Fourth of July, we wish you a fun-filled holiday with the family. If you’re looking for more great summer recipes, head to the Recipe section of the Bull Outdoor Products website.